Support Queensland primary producers this Easter

BuyingQueensland produce this Easter long weekend will support the State’s primary producers while benefiting your family’s wellbeing.

Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Bill Byrne said tucking in to a plate of prawns or enjoying some delectable fruit and vegetables fresh from the markets is a wonderful way to celebrate Easter with family and friends.

“Queenslanders are spoilt for choice this Easter with delicious products available to put on the table for breakfast, lunch or dinner,” he said.

“We love our seafood at Easter and now is a great time to buy local to support our fishers.

“Other produce to buy that is coming onto the markets are apples, avocados, sweet potatoes, sweet corn, pineapples, lemons, limes, figs, dragonfruit, mangosteens and papaya.

“The Granite Belt region produces some quality apples coming into autumn with the State’s apple industry estimated to be worth $72 million in 2014-15.

“DAF plays a critical role in horticulture research and has been successful in boosting productivity by reducing diseases in fruit.

“Don’t forget the humble sweetpotato as the versatile vegetable, grown in Bundaberg, is packed full of nutrients and is great in a salad or hot out of the oven.

“Avocado lovers will be thrilled to know Shepard avocados – the first avocado of the Australian season grown only in Bundaberg and the Atherton Tableland – are in the markets until the end of April. “The pear-shaped green Shepards’ variety boast a firmer flesh than other varieties and the buttery, golden colour make them perfect for entertaining and catering. “Lovely sweet corn is currently coming out of the Lockyer Valley as well as crunchy fresh lettuce for your Easter salads and sandwiches.

“And why not throw together a mouth-watering fruit salad with some tropical north Queensland flavours such as mangosteens, papaya and dragonfruit.

“Enjoy Easter with family and friends and do your guests and Queenslander farmers a favour by purchasing locally grown products because fresh is best.”

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